It's a sad day when we loose our hero's and realize
our legends are in fact mere mortals here only by God's choosing.
Our only consolation is knowing he's up there in the great
super speedway in the sky doing what he loved most. Racing.

Earnhardt Speaks From Above

A fine Daytona afternoon, the season just begun
My boys were running one and two, and I was having fun
I probably could have won the thing, but something held me back
I was busy watching Dale and Mike -- and holding off the pack

I was looking toward the front and not really to the rear
Something tapped me on my bumper, but still I had no fear
I thought it might be Sterling - I knew he was nearby
When Sterling smells the checkered flag, I'll tell you, he ain't shy

I slipped a bit. I turned the wheel. I sensed something very odd
It wasn't Sterling's tap I'd felt. It was the tap of God
"Not now," I said. "I'm racing hard. There's work still here to do"
"You're time is up," He whispered low, "So say a quick adieu"

I wasn't really ready, but I didn't have a choice
He'd tapped me on the bumper and I'd heard His hallowed voice
So I did as He instructed. I just packed it in and left
I guess it can't be helped that I left some of you bereft

Did you see those birds upon the wall as they scattered in the breeze?
Will it make it any easier to know that one of them was me?
There was also Davey, Dad and Neil and some other guys I've known
And they all came to Daytona just to escort me on home

Hey - congratulations, Mikey! You made a worthy run
I wish you many, many more. You're wins have just begun
All that fun you had in Victory Lane, I was proud as proud can be
Did you see a seagull flying low? Yeah, Mikey, that was me

So, friends and fans and family, don't mourn me for too long
Get on with life - take care of things - be brave and proud and strong
I'll surely miss you every one. About that I will not lie
But as long as you remember me - I didn't really die
(Author Unknown)

ONE QUARTER MILE FROM HEAVEN

Like a guardian angel from four cars back,
Watching Michael & Dale Jr. as they circled the track.
No intention of winning, just holding his place,
So proud of his "boys" now winning the race.

We though it was over, the end was so near.
No time for pain; no time for fear.
We did not know, as there was no sign,
Dale was only one-quarter mile from his final finish line.

Within an instant, NASCAR fans would be facing,
An eternal change in their world of racing.
He was one of the greatest; beloved in his sport,
With a grand career now sadly cut short.

All the crowd noticed was excitement and debris,
But a miracle was happening we could not see.
Dale said goodbye through shining metal and chrome,
As God gave "NUMBER 3" the checkered flag "home".

But forever in our hearts, and in the scheme of things,
We'll picture him circling heaven with black and red wings.
Grinning; telling angels... and even the Creator,
"Look out over there...here comes the "INTIMIDATOR".

THE MAN IN BLACK The Heaven 500, was just getting started, an All-Star race, for the racing departed. Heroes of the track, with nerves like steel, and sitting on the pole, was a cat named Neil.

Adam Petty was there, with his beautiful smile, Kenny Irwin determined, to finish in style. Lee Petty was glowing, with that Grandfather pride, with Davey & Clifford, both in a new ride.

Fireball Roberts, floated in on a cloud, while Tony Roper waved, to the Heavenly crowd. Morrosso & Nemecheck, then Tim Richmond appeared, Kulwicki strapped in, while the racing fans cheered.

The honorary starter, for this Heavenly race, Ralph Earnhardt was chosen, a tear on his face. But the red flag flew, just before it had begun, and every eye, was open wide, and looking to the SON.

A last minute entry, was the cause of delay, while the fans were instructed, to kneel and to pray. The Heavens turned black, and the clouds turned dark, the lightning was brilliant, the thunder did bark.

Then out of the rumble, for all there to see, the clouds formed a number, a black number three. The Heavenly fans, then erupted with pride, and welcomed this star, who had recently died.

With a bolt of lightning, Dale Earnhardt arrived, as he stood before Jesus, his spirit revived. Jesus hugged his precious child, then revealed his perfect plan, "I brought you home, to let you know, that I'm your biggest fan!"

"The Intimidator was needed, for this Heavenly race, leaving all of your earthly fans, with honor & with grace." Ralph Earnhardt then stepped forward, embracing his son, then whispered in the ear of Dale, "Let's go and have some fun!"

As Ralph stood proud, the green flag flew, the crowd went wild and the tension grew. And just like Salvation, the admission was free, as every eye focused, on the black number three.

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